Don’t be fooled - plenty of cleansers can’t completely remove foundation or concealer, particularly around the eyes and nose. Use makeup remover or an emollient wipe to remove your makeup before you wash your face.

The myth that steaming your skin opens and closes pores is false, but it is true a little mild steam can help soften hardened oil in pores. The easiest way to do this is by simply getting into a hot shower before starting your cleanse. Remember, leave the pore extractions to the professionals - doing it yourself can cause broken capillaries and excessive irritation.

Double cleansing allows for smoother, cleaner skin that allows for better absorption of your skincare products. To start, use a dime-size amount of gentle cleansing milk or oil and lukewarm water and apply using a gentle washcloth or your fingers. Don’t forget your neck, too.

Using a creamy cleanser or balm with ingredients that match your skin type, go in for a deeper clean using a cleansing gadget. This will remove oil, dirt and dead skin more effectively than your hands can.

While exfoliating is great for revealing fresh skin cells and making pores appear smaller, it’s a step that should be incorporated sparingly to avoid irritating your skin. If your skin is dry, use an AHA-rich chemical exfoliator, and if you’re prone to breakouts, stay away from rough scrubs and opt for one with salicylic or glycolic acid. Make sure to avoid your eye area unless you’ve using an exfoliator that’s made for delicate eye tissue. After washing, dab your face with a towel – rubbing can cause wrinkles.

Finally, continue with the rest of your skincare routine – quickly. Make sure to act in the first minute of patting your skin dry as every second your skin is left bare, dry air is pulling moisture out of it. If your skin starts to feel tight, you’ve waited too long.